ABSTRACT
An additional reason for skepticism about case studies is, no doubt, the conventional call for scientific objectivity. In the context of multiple case study research in international business and the ‘architecture’ of such research design, Pauwels and Matthyssens discuss the ontological and epistemological premises of qualitative research “that departs from a time-and human-free objective reality towards a more context-bound intersubjective reality […], in which the social world is to be understood from the point of view of the individuals who are directly involved in the events that are investigated” (Pauwels & Matthyssens 2004). They go on arguing that “Multiple case study research aims at closing the gap between the objective of the study and the object of the study. In this respect, we explicitly aim at capturing the subjectivity that is embedded in the object” (Ibid). In evidence based design, this can be seen as an invaluable approach in interpreting the interrelationship
the built and its users, from of
However, Pauwels and Matthyssens also point out the significance of reducing the researcher’s impact on the validation and evaluation process. For this, they suggest the aforementioned principles of ‘Four Pillars and a Roof’ – an appealing simile for architects. Pillar 1, theoretical sampling, is based on selecting both typical and atypical cases, as opposing to a number of analogous cases. In this process, the analyses of atypical cases produce contrasting results, though for predictable reasons, and create theory-driven variance and divergence of data. Pillar 2, triangulation, is naturally one of the basic ‘pillars’ in any research project. For Pauwels and Matthyssens, it serves two purposes: it reduces random errors and increases internal validity of a study. Pillar 3, pattern-matching logic, is based on the fundamental scientific pattern model according to which, for instance, events can be explained in relation to sub-elements so that together they constitute a unified system. Pillar 4, then, deals with analytical generalization by testing the validity of research outcome and/or theory development against extant theories. Finally, the roof encompasses validation by juxtaposition and iteration of the pillars that support it, which we examine below.
